Meade sets sights on state championship

OFFENSE: The Mustangs, 8-3 last year, will operate out of multiple formations this season to take advantage of what Jones referred to as the balanced nature of his talent.

“Our offense evolves every year, based on what is available to us,” Jones said. “Our school is very transient. Because of the (military) nature of our school, it can be easy come, easy go. We have a lot of players who might not be with us from year to year.”

Jones said the strength of his offense begins with the size of its line, a massive tight end, two experienced wideouts and a multi-talented, quick-on-his-feet quarterback.

“We’re going to be more pass-oriented and will be using the no-huddle offense more,” he said. “But we got the O-line and speed to move the ball on the ground.”

Leading the offense is senior Kiani Freeman, a transfer from Archbishop Curley, who Jones called a “dual threat who has the intangibles needed to quarterback our offense.”

Mammoth tight end Malik Jackson has already had college scouts looking at him and is not only a strong run blocker, but he will also blend well with senior wide receivers Carl Hawkins and Kyle Stone. Jaden Herring, a transfer from Spalding, adds depth.

The interior line boasts a trio of 300-pounders in senior guard Preston Duffield, a D-I prospect, Darius Wilson, who will play the opposite side tackle, and another near 300-pounder in sophomore center Joshua Castro.

Left tackle Jason Lalmalchaux was described by Jones as one of the most improved players on the team.

DEFENSE: While Jones runs the offense, he leaves the defense to Reggie Leach, who will alternate between a 3-3 and 4-2-5 alignment.

Though many of the 18 seniors who graduated started on defense, there is plenty of talent to keep Jones smiling.

Senior safety Jared Rogers and senior linebackers Malik Freeman and Michael Townsend are the foundation for the defense, and sophomore Desmond Barksdale is expected to jump right in and contribute. Jackson will play two ways as an end on the defense. Sophomore cornerback Calvin Harrison is also expected to contribute early.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Kyle Stone and Townsend will handle the kicking duties, depending on the length of the kick. Stone is more accurate, but Townsend has the stronger foot. Hawkins, Lonere Woodley and Tre Holt will handle the return duties.

Jones also expects his special teams to be stingier with the yards they give up.

“I feel great about how we’ll be handling the kickoffs.” he said.

OUTLOOK: Jones said the Mustangs expect to be competitive in every game this season and that they’ll “be better than what we did last year.”

“I’m confident we will put some points up on the scoreboard and not have to outscore everyone to win,” he said.

“I think we have the talent to say our ultimate goal is to go to the state championship. You can’t do that without paying the price in August, which these guys have,” he added.

Compiled by John Evans

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kiani Freeman, Sr., QB, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds.

Malik Jackson, Sr., TE/DE, 6-foot-4, 240 pounds

Carl Hawkins, Sr., WR/KR, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds.

Dierre Oliver, Sr, RB, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds

Preston Duffield, Sr., G, 6-foot-0, 300 pounds

Darius Wilson, Sr, T, 6-foot-4, 300 pounds

Jason Lalmalchaux, Sr., T, 6-foot-2, 285 pounds

Joshua Castro, Soph., C, 6-foot-4, 320 pounds

Michael Townsend, Sr., LB/PK, 5-foot-11, 215 pounds

Desmond Barksdale, Jr., DL, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds

Devin Barksdale, Soph., G, 6-foot-2, 220 pounds

Jared Rogers, Sr., ss, 5-foot-10, 215 pounds

2017 RESULTS (8-3)

South River, W, 26-0

Arundel, W, 47-26

Old Mill, L, 20-13

Annapolis, W, 42-8

Northeast, W, 39-17

Glen Burnie, W, 39-20

Severna Park, W, 26-16

Broadneck, L, 28-21

North County, W, 21-14

Southern, W, 31-14

*Broadneck, L, 35-6

*Playoff game

SCHEDULE

Aug. 31: South River, 6:30

Sept 7: at Arundel, 6:30

Sept. 14: Old Mill, 6:30

Sept. 21: at North County, 630

Sept. 28: Annapolis, 6:30

Oct. 5: Southern, 6:30

Oct. 12: at Severna Park, 6:30

Oct.19: at Broadneck, 6:30

Oct. 26: at Northeast, 6:30

Nov. 2: Glen Burnie, 6:30

Highlights from high school football scrimmages involving Chesapeake, Severna Park, Southern and St. Mary’s.

Highlights from high school football scrimmages involving Chesapeake, Severna Park, Southern and St. Mary’s.